National Salary Overview
VS
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
Median Salary
$35,762
Average (Mean)
$36,750
Employed Nationwide
435,630
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria earns $5,685 more (18.9%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$30,077
$35,762
Average (Mean) Salary
$36,127
$36,750
Total Employment
711,100
435,630
States with Higher Pay
7
44
Salary by State: Bartenders vs Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
Showing 51 states where both occupations have BLS data. Bartenders pays more in 7 states; Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria pays more in 44.
| State | Bartenders | Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $20,840 | $23,600 | $-2,760 | ||
| Alaska | $27,840 | $45,520 | $-17,680 | ||
| Arizona | $44,390 | $37,910 | +$6,480 | ||
| Arkansas | $28,890 | $28,580 | +$310 | ||
| California | $34,700 | $44,940 | $-10,240 | ||
| Colorado | $30,980 | $38,410 | $-7,430 | ||
| Connecticut | $32,500 | $44,820 | $-12,320 | ||
| Delaware | $29,010 | $41,940 | $-12,930 | ||
| District of Columbia | $47,210 | $43,200 | +$4,010 | ||
| Florida | $29,910 | $34,390 | $-4,480 | ||
| Georgia | $27,850 | $33,310 | $-5,460 | ||
| Hawaii | $55,940 | $43,490 | +$12,450 | ||
| Idaho | $22,960 | $32,550 | $-9,590 | ||
| Illinois | $29,660 | $35,560 | $-5,900 | ||
| Indiana | $22,550 | $32,130 | $-9,580 | ||
| Iowa | $21,770 | $32,930 | $-11,160 | ||
| Kansas | $26,790 | $29,630 | $-2,840 | ||
| Kentucky | $29,140 | $29,490 | $-350 | ||
| Louisiana | $20,700 | $27,940 | $-7,240 | ||
| Maine | $34,950 | $37,950 | $-3,000 | ||
| Maryland | $34,860 | $38,330 | $-3,470 | ||
| Massachusetts | $34,970 | $46,390 | $-11,420 | ||
| Michigan | $31,010 | $34,120 | $-3,110 | ||
| Minnesota | $26,330 | $38,910 | $-12,580 | ||
| Mississippi | $21,500 | $22,970 | $-1,470 | ||
| Missouri | $28,210 | $29,150 | $-940 | ||
| Montana | $21,880 | $34,940 | $-13,060 | ||
| Nebraska | $27,040 | $33,680 | $-6,640 | ||
| Nevada | $28,860 | $37,900 | $-9,040 | ||
| New Hampshire | $27,610 | $39,840 | $-12,230 | ||
| New Jersey | $38,230 | $42,160 | $-3,930 | ||
| New Mexico | $28,580 | $31,870 | $-3,290 | ||
| New York | $45,980 | $40,910 | +$5,070 | ||
| North Carolina | $33,160 | $33,630 | $-470 | ||
| North Dakota | $27,970 | $37,340 | $-9,370 | ||
| Ohio | $27,440 | $35,110 | $-7,670 | ||
| Oklahoma | $20,590 | $27,300 | $-6,710 | ||
| Oregon | $30,810 | $39,390 | $-8,580 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $22,740 | $35,990 | $-13,250 | ||
| Rhode Island | $28,600 | $44,220 | $-15,620 | ||
| South Carolina | $18,610 | $30,120 | $-11,510 | ||
| South Dakota | $28,380 | $33,980 | $-5,600 | ||
| Tennessee | $22,000 | $29,990 | $-7,990 | ||
| Texas | $27,520 | $31,320 | $-3,800 | ||
| Utah | $33,280 | $36,410 | $-3,130 | ||
| Vermont | $35,530 | $37,140 | $-1,610 | ||
| Virginia | $42,850 | $36,320 | +$6,530 | ||
| Washington | $48,570 | $46,610 | +$1,960 | ||
| West Virginia | $27,960 | $28,440 | $-480 | ||
| Wisconsin | $22,660 | $36,230 | $-13,570 | ||
| Wyoming | $21,620 | $34,870 | $-13,250 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Bartenders or Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria?
On average across all states, a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria earns more than a Bartenders. The national median salary difference is $5,685 (18.9%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Bartenders earn more than a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria?
A Bartenders earns a higher median salary than a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in 7 out of 51 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria pays more in 44 states.
What is the median salary for a Bartenders vs Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria?
The national median salary for a Bartenders is $30,077 per year, compared to $35,762 for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Bartenders or Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria?
There are more people employed as Bartenders. BLS reports approximately 711,100 Bartenders positions and 435,630 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Bartenders or Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria?
Both Bartenders and Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.
Explore Career Options
Build a Professional Resume Get Certified & Earn More Learn a New Language Build In-Demand Tech Skills Explore Top Courses Advance Your CareerCompare After-Tax Take-Home Pay
See what each role actually pays after federal, state, and FICA taxes.